Myrna Callao Bernabe

Myrna Callao Bernabe was born on January 16, 1946, in Manila, Philippines, where her life of faith, compassion, and service began. From a young age, Myrna displayed a natural care for others—an empathy that would become the foundation of her calling, her motherhood, and her legacy. She attended Caloocan High School and later pursued nursing at Philippine Women’s University, graduating in 1968, answering what was clearly a vocation rooted in love and selflessness. Myrna devoted her early professional years to caring for the most vulnerable as a NICU, Pediatric, and Labor & Delivery nurse in the Philippines. Her gentle hands, calming presence, and deep compassion brought comfort to countless families during moments of fear, hope, and new life. Nursing was never “just a job” to her—it was an extension of her heart. In 1971, she married Wilfredo Bernabe. In 1973, Myrna immigrated to the United States, settling in Daly City, California, with her firstborn son, Marvin. Leaving her homeland behind took courage, faith, and sacrifice, but Myrna embraced this new chapter with strength and determination, always guided by her belief that God would lead her where she was meant to be. She continued her nursing career at San Francisco General Hospital before moving to Vallejo in 1976. In 1978, she began working at Sutter—then Vallejo General Hospital—where she dedicated many years of service. Patients, coworkers, and families remember her not only for her skill, but for her warmth, patience, and kindness. In 1982, she welcomed her daughter Mayumi, followed by her son Michael in 1984. In 1988, Myrna moved to Benicia, where she would build deep roots and lifelong friendships. Faith was the center of Myrna’s life. A devoted Catholic, she was an active parishioner at St. Catherine of Siena in Vallejo and later at St. Dominic’s Catholic Church in Benicia. Her involvement in the church was heartfelt and joyful—she was a Cursillista, a member of the Flower Divas, Mother of Perpetual Help, church choir, and the Benicians community. She believed in showing faith through action, service, and love rather than words alone. Her faith also led her beyond her home and across the world. Myrna was blessed to take part in several pilgrimage journeys, traveling to sacred and historic places including Italy, France, Turkey, Greece, Egypt, China, and many others. These travels deepened her spirituality and brought her immense joy, as she walked where history and faith intertwined. She often returned from these pilgrimages with stories, photos, and renewed devotion—grateful for the opportunity to experience God’s presence in so many corners of the world. Myrna lived by the teachings of Christ, often reminding those around her of the importance of loving others fully and without condition. One of the verses she lived by was: “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.” — John 15:12 She didn’t just teach this—she embodied it. Her life was a reflection of love in motion, guided by another truth she lived daily: “Let all that you do be done in love.” — 1 Corinthians 16:14 Myrna’s love was felt most deeply through her generosity. Her love language was food and gift-giving—no one ever left her home hungry, empty-handed, or without feeling cared for. She had a joyful, creative spirit and loved to dance, sing, create, and play the piano. She enjoyed trips with her friends and celebrating life’s little joys. Most of all, she cherished time spent with her family. Her home was a place of warmth, laughter, prayer, and unconditional welcome. She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Jose Mamertho Callao and Leovigilda Callao; her brother, Richard Callao; and her former husband, Wilfredo Bernabe. She is survived by her sisters and brothers-in-law, Estelita Callao Ermitanio and Leon Ermitanio, Erlinda Callao Querubin and Rosario “Jun” Querubin; her children and children-in-law, Marvin Bernabe, Mayumi Bernabe Altera and her husband Mike Altera, and Michael Bernabe and his wife Michelle Bernabe; her grandchildren and grandchildren-in-law, Mathew Bernabe and his wife Cassiane, Maylea Bernabe, Michael “MJ” Altera Jr., Myles Altera, Maddison Bernabe, Makaila Bernabe, and Maya Bernabe; along with cousins, nieces, nephews, and countless friends who became chosen family. Myrna Callao Bernabe leaves behind a legacy of unwavering faith, boundless generosity, and unconditional love. She lived a life devoted to caring for others—through her profession, her family, her church, and her community—and on the morning of December 23, 2025, she passed away peacefully, surrounded by the love she so freely gave. Though she is no longer with us in body, her love continues to guide, comfort, and inspire all who were blessed to know her. Her life was love, and that love will never fade.

Myrna Callao Bernabe

January 16, 1946 - December 23, 2025